Miramax Films and the UK' s Fragile Films have struck a two-and-half year first look deal.

Miramax will get first option on English-speaking markets for film and TV projects developed and produced by Barnaby Thompson and Uri Fruchtmann, heads of Fragile and co-owners of Ealing Studios. Fragile previously had a longterm deal with Miramax' s Walt Disney stable-mate BVI.

Announcing the deal at Cannes, Miramax co-chief Harvey Weinstein compared Thompson to UK producers such as Jeremy Thomas, Working Title and Stephen Woolley. "Barnaby is in that class," he said.

The partners have previously collaborated on The Importance Of Being Earnest, which Miramax is releasing this month, An Ideal Husband and Lucky Break.